(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office shall be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative. (b) The purpose of the Initiative shall include: (1) promoting the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities across State government; (2) conducting and coordinating outreach to job seekers with disabilities and State government to encourage participation in the Initiative; (3) developing and delivering trainings to State agencies and units addressing best practices, resources, and relevant federal and State laws pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities; (4) assisting State government agencies and units to attract qualified job seekers with disabilities to available positions; (5) promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology for new State employees with disabilities; (6) evaluating State employment practices and policies and making recommendations regarding ways to reduce barriers for job seekers and employees with disabilities; (7) collecting from each unit of State government, as part of the plans required under § 7-116 of this title, performance goals related to hiring and retention efforts for employees with disabilities and any data deemed necessary by the Secretary to demonstrate performance outcomes; and (8) reporting on the Initiative's outcomes in compliance with subsection (c) of this section. (c) On or before December 1, 2026, and each December 1 thereafter, the Office shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, on: (1) progress and outcomes of the Initiative; and (2) recommendations developed by the Initiative for continued improvement of State government employment practices for people with disabilities. §7-1301. IN EFFECT // EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 393 OF 2025 // (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) "Adapted vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has been modified to be operated by an individual who requires a mobility aid. (c) "Department" means the Department of Disabilities. (d) "Donation" means the voluntary transfer of property, services, or funds to the Program or an eligible individual. (e) "Eligible individual" means an individual who: (1) requires a mobility aid; (2) is a licensed driver; and (3) is qualified to drive an adapted vehicle. (f) "Program" means the Adapted Vehicle Access Pilot Program. §7-1302. IN EFFECT // EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 393 OF 2025 // (a) There is an Adapted Vehicle Access Pilot Program. (b) The purpose of the Program is to provide adapted vehicles to eligible individuals who do not qualify for other programs offered by the Department that provide access to adapted vehicles. (c) The Department shall implement and administer the Program. (d) The Department shall select eligible individuals to participate in the Program and shall prioritize individuals who reside in areas with limited access to public transportation. (e) (1) The Department shall request, apply for, and facilitate donations of vehicles, vehicle modification and adaptation services, and funds from individuals or public or private corporations to implement the Program. (2) The Department may apply for, receive, and spend federal funds and grants available for use in carrying out the Program. (f) The Department shall study the impacts of the Program on the recipients' independence, mobility, job opportunities, and dependency on public subsidies. (g) (1) On or before December 1, 2028, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the Pilot Program. (2) The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include: (i) the number of recipients of vehicles under the Program; (ii) information regarding how the Program has affected the recipients' independence, mobility, job opportunities, and dependency on public subsidies; (iii) information regarding the availability of vehicles, modification and adaptation services, and funds; and (iv) a recommendation on whether the Program should be extended or expanded. (3) In reporting the data required under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the Department shall make reasonable efforts to anonymize the data to protect the privacy of recipients.
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